We had the opportunity to ask David Bradford, “The Bottlecap Kid”, for networking advice for college students and young professionals. His advice is practical and realistic; check it out.

SC: What are practical ways for college freshmen to begin networking?

David: Be curious. Ask lots of questions. Find areas of commonality. When that happens, trust forms and magic can happen.

SC: How can college students, who are at the start of their careers, be “givers” in a professional relationship?

David: Offer to intern for free. Ask to shadow a great professional for the day. Offer to do some mundane tasks for leaders. Repost great articles from people they admire. Tweet when something happens great to a leader you are follow.

SC: How can a young professional recover if they have damaged their reputation/credibility?

David: Unfortunately, it takes hard work to remake a damaged reputation. But the best way is not to hide in the shadows – show up at stuff; be seen online. Become a giver and not a taker.

SC: Is there a fast way to network?

David: 90% of success in life is showing up. Today it is done both online as well as in person. But the key is not to just show up, but follow up within 24 hours of an initial meeting. Otherwise, you will become forgotten.

SC: What networking advice would you give to college students who are open to moving to multiple geographic locations?

David: Wherever you go, whatever you do, find a local church, a local sporting event, a local community play, or a local networking club of some sort. Then show up, give, and be seen as someone who is there to do good.

David Bradford, “The Bottlecap Kid”, is Executive Chairman and former CEO of HireVue, former CEO of Fusion-io, and a member of the Utah Technology Council Hall of Fame. David is known for accelerating the growth and performance of game-changing organizations by utilizing his “UP Principles” which he outlines in his new book, UP YOUR GAME: 6 Timeless Principles for Networking Your Way to the Top. His last two companies, HireVue and Fusion-io are two of the fastest growing tech businesses in the U.S. Learn more about David and UP YOUR GAME at DavidBradford.com.

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